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Datasheet
| Care Description | Fungia Plate corals are one of the few types of large polyp stony corals capable of moving themselves and relocating. There is a reason they are kept on the substrate exclusively. If plate corals are placed on the aquascape, they will jump off of your rock work! Please see below for additional care tips for Fungia. |
| Water Flow | Moderate - Strong |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Fungia Plate corals are unique large polyp stony corals that possess the ability to move and relocate themselves, distinguishing them from other coral species. These corals are vividly colored in bright orange hues, adding a pop of color to reef aquariums. Typically kept on the substrate due to their mobility, they are roughly 1"+ in diameter and require a coarse substrate for optimal placement to prevent them from jumping off rockwork.
Demands and Hardiness
Fungia Plate corals have moderate to high lighting requirements, with an acclimation period needed for intense lighting such as metal halides. They exhibit slightly better coloration under brighter light conditions. In terms of water flow, they prefer moderate to strong movement, though they can tolerate fairly strong flow. Care should be taken to place Fungia corals on the substrate as they have the capacity to move around and may dislodge themselves from rocks.
Lighting
Moderate to high lighting is recommended for Fungia Plate corals. While photosynthetic, these corals benefit greatly from regular spot feeding of large meaty foods such as shrimp and krill. Be cautious not to feed chunks of food that are too large for the coral to swallow, ensuring proper feeding habits for their health and growth.
Water Flow
Fungia Plate corals thrive in moderate water movement but can withstand stronger currents. Placing them on substrates is imperative, as these corals have the ability to move independently and can "jump" off rocks if not secured properly within the tank environment.
Feeding
Fungia corals are known to consume Mysis, Krill, and other medium to large-sized pellets, ranging from 5mm to 50mm. While they are primarily photosynthetic, they are also excellent feeders, benefitting from supplementary feeding with large meaty foods such as shrimp and krill.
Propagation
Efforts to propagate Fungia corals have shown success through fragmentation; however, asexual reproduction is a slow process. Despite attempts at aquaculture, cost-effective propagation methods are still being developed. Fragmented pieces take a significant amount of time to regain their characteristic round shape, posing challenges to sustainable captivity harvests. Future advancements in propagation techniques may present more viable options for reproduction.
Localization & Habitat
Plate corals, belonging to the Fungia genus, are primarily found around the islands of the Indo-Pacific, including regions like Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of Fungia corals available are sourced from Australia, showcasing their natural habitat and distribution in the marine ecosystem.